A design token framework helps bridge the gap between design and development by translating visual styles—like color, typography, and spacing—into consistent, reusable variables.

What Are Design Tokens?

Design tokens are platform-agnostic variables used to store design attributes such as:

• Color values (primary-100: #FF5733)

• Typography styles (font-size-large: 18px)

• Spacing units (space-md: 16px)

• Border radii, shadows, and more

By storing these values as tokens, you ensure a single source of truth for your design system, which reduces duplication and inconsistency.

Why Use a Token Framework?

• Consistency across platforms: Web, iOS, Android, and other platforms can share the same design logic.

• Easier maintenance: Update a token value once, and it reflects everywhere it's used.

• Better collaboration: Designers and developers speak the same language through shared variables.

Tools That Support Tokens

• Style Dictionary — A build system that transforms and exports tokens into code (CSS, SCSS, JS, etc.).

• Tokens Studio for Figma — A Figma plugin that lets you create and sync tokens directly from design files to codebases.

Using these tools, you can automate token generation and syncing, making your design system more scalable and robust.

Design tokens are foundational for any modern design system, helping teams move faster while staying aligned.